During pregnancy the new RDIs/RDAs do not recommend an increase, but for nursing mothers an additional 500 RE is suggested for the first six months and an additional 400 RE for the second six months.

There is no formal RDI/RDA for beta-carotene, because it is not (yet) officially recognized as an essential nutrient. But anywhere from 10,000; 15,000 IUs of beta-carotene are needed to meet the RDI/RDA for vitamin A.

WHAT VITAMIN A CAN DO FOR YOU:

Counteract night blindness, weak eyesight, and aid in the treatment of many eye disorders.

(It permits formation of visual purple in the eye.)

Build resistance to respiratory infections.

Aid in the proper function of the immune system.

Shorten the duration of diseases.

Keep the outer layers of your tissues and organs healthy. Help in the removal of age spots.

BEST NATURAL SOURCE:

(Note: The color intensity of a fruit or vegetable is not necessarily a reliable indicator of its beta-carotene content.)

SUPPLEMENTS:

Usually available in two forms, one derived from natural fish liver oil and the other water dispersible.

Water-dispersible supplements are either acetate or palmitate and recommended for anyone intolerant to oil, particularly acne sufferers.

5,000 to 10,000 IU are the most common daily doses.

Vitamin A acid (retin A), which has often been used in the treatment of acne, and is now being marketed as a treatment for eradicating superficial wrinkles, is available only by prescription in the United States.